The craft brewing industry contributed $79.1 billion to the US economy, responsible for 559,545 jobs
Boulder, Colorado. • September 25, 2019 — The craft brewing industry continues to be a strong contributor to the U.S. economy, as evidenced by the 2018 Economic Impact Report released today by the Brewers Association, the nonprofit trade association dedicated to small independent American brewers. The analysis highlights the total national impact, in addition to economic data, of craft brewers for all 50 states.
In 2018, small independent craft brewers contributed $79.1 billion to the US economy, or about 0.4% of gross domestic product. The 2018 figures mark a 4% increase over 2017, highlighting the industry’s consistent performance across the country. The calculation is derived from the total impact of beer brewed by craft brewers as it moves through the three-tier system (breweries, wholesalers and retailers), as well as all non-beer products, such as food and goods sold in restaurants and breweries. taprooms.
In 2018, the craft brewing industry provided 559,545 total jobs, with 150,055 directly at breweries. Additionally, over $5 billion in salaries and benefits have been paid to brewery employees through 2018.
“With small breweries in every state and nearly every congressional district across the country, craft brewers are a vital and growing part of the economy of cities and towns across the country,” said Bart Watson, chief economist. of the Brewers Association. “Beer lovers spend their money supporting small, independent brewers in their local communities and across the country, and its positive impact is evident nationally.”
Top 5 States by Economic Contribution (2018)
- California, $9.0 billion
- Pennsylvania, $6.3 billion
- Texas, $5.1 billion
- New York, $4.1 billion
- Florida, $3.6 billion
Top 5 States by Per Capita Contribution for Adults 21+ (2018)
- Colorado, $780 ($3.3 billion)
- Vermont, $756 ($362 million)
- Oregon, $674 ($2.1 billion)
- Pennsylvania, $657 ($6.3 billion)
- Maine, $631, ($656 million)
Additional statistics and methodologyincluding state-by-state data, can be found on the Economic Impact page on the Brewers Association website.
Contact: Calvin Bond (on behalf of the Brewers Association) 970-963-4873 x262
About the Brewers Association
The Brewers Association (BA) is the nonprofit trade association dedicated to America’s small, independent brewers, their beers, and the community of brewing enthusiasts. The BA represents more than 5,000 American breweries. BAs independent craft brewer seal is a widely adopted symbol that differentiates beers from small, independent craft brewers. The BA organizes events including the beer world cup®, Great American Oktoberfest®, Craft Brewers Conference® & BrewExpo America®, FLAVOR™: An American Craft Beer and Dining Experience, Homebrew Con™, National Homebrew Competition and American Craft Beer Week®. The BA publishes The new brewer®
magazines, and Brewers publications® is the leading publisher of brewing literature in the United States. Beer lovers are invited to learn more about the vibrant world of craft beer at CraftBeer.com® and on homebrewing via BAs American Homebrew Association® and free Brewing Guru® mobile app. follow us on Facebook, Twitter and instagram.
The Brewers Association is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, orientation or marital/family status. The BA complies with the provisions of Executive Order 11246 and relevant rules, regulations and orders of the Secretary of Labor.
